Alex Salmond hails 130 jobs in West Lothian after meat plant closure

AN international design and manufacturing company is to create 130 new jobs in Bathgate.

US-based Plexus is investing £9 million in expanding its Scottish operation and establishing a new European Centre for Excellence in design, prototyping and manufacturing in Bathgate.

Alex Salmond announced the move at First Minister’s Questions today.

He hailed the expansion as “an early result for West Lothian” in the wake of the closure of the Hall’s of Broxburn meat processing plant.

He said: “Plexus’s decision to invest £9 million in expanding their Scottish operations will provide a welcome boost to the local economy, creating 130 new jobs and a new European Centre for Excellence in design, prototyping and manufacturing in Bathgate.

“The Scottish Government and our enterprise agencies are focused on securing new jobs, and investment and Plexus expansion plans will receive up to £1m of support through Scottish Enterprise.

“News that this international design and manufacturing firm is stepping up its Scottish operations is testament to the quality and skills of the West Lothian workforce and reinforces Scotland’s reputation for excellence in innovation and manufacturing.”

Scottish Enterprise will provide help of up to £1m towards the costs of establishing a prototyping and manufacturing facility and expanding the existing design centre at new premises in Bathgate.